Living in Southwark

Local life in Southwark is shaped by its diverse communities, creative enterprise, and rich heritage. The social atmosphere shifts from lively and urban near Borough Market and London Bridge to more laid-back and family-orientated in areas like Nunhead or Peckham. There is a strong sense of neighbourhood, with regular street markets, arts festivals, and farmers’ gatherings fostering local connections and independent businesses.

Outdoor pursuits are well provided for, with riverside walks along the Thames Path, green spaces like Burgess Park and Southwark Park, and community gardens. Local organisations operate community centres, supporting a range of activities from youth classes to social clubs. Annual events such as the Bermondsey Street Festival and Southwark Festival celebrate the area’s multicultural fabric, making community participation accessible and rewarding.

As with any central London area, Southwark experiences varied crime rates depending on location and time of day. The riverside areas like Bankside, Borough, and Bermondsey are generally well-patrolled and benefit from high foot traffic due to tourist attractions and business activity. Ongoing regeneration in places like Elephant and Castle has seen increased security and community patrols. Some pockets, particularly around high-density housing near transport hubs, may have higher incidences of petty crime, but many residents report an improving sense of safety.

Southwark Council collaborates with the Metropolitan Police on initiatives such as neighbourhood watch schemes, Safer Neighbourhood Teams, and community safety events, all designed to promote security and address concerns at a local level. Lighting, CCTV, and increased police presence around major stations contribute to an overall perception of safety, particularly in redeveloped zones.

Parking in Southwark can be challenging, particularly near commercial centres and transport hubs. Most residential streets operate a permit system, and many new developments offer limited off-street or underground parking for residents. There are several public car parks around London Bridge, Borough, and Elephant and Castle, but on-street spaces fill quickly, especially during the working week. Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) rules apply to much of the borough.

Major roads such as the A2, A3, and A201 provide direct access to inner and outer London, while the proximity to central bridges makes cross-Thames travel simple. Traffic congestion can be significant at peak times, but cycle and bus lanes help with flow. Key access routes and travel times by car:

• The City of London – approx. 10 minutes via A3 (less than 2 miles)
• Westminster – approx. 12 minutes via A302 (3 miles)
• Greenwich – approx. 20 minutes via A200 (5 miles)
• Brixton – approx. 18 minutes via A215 (4 miles)

Southwark has earned a reputation as one of London’s best destinations for food lovers. Borough Market is the main culinary attraction, boasting artisanal produce, world cuisines, and buzzing market stalls under the historic railway arches. Bermondsey Street is brimming with acclaimed restaurants, quirky cafes, and independent coffee shops. The area is also known for its breweries, with the Bermondsey Beer Mile offering a sequence of celebrated craft brewers and taprooms in converted railway arches.

Pubs range from centuries-old establishments like The George Inn to modern gastropubs with locally sourced menus. Nightlife is lively around London Bridge and Elephant and Castle, with a mix of cocktail bars, late-night venues, and live music spots. For cultural evenings out, the Young Vic and Menier Chocolate Factory theatres are popular, adding to the borough’s creative appeal. From riverside dining to street food, Southwark's dining and nightlife scene remains a major draw for both locals and visitors.

School Quality: Southwark is served by numerous high-performing schools, including several with 'Outstanding' Ofsted ratings at both the primary and secondary level, as well as reputable colleges and universities.

Parks and Green Space: The borough is home to large parks such as Burgess Park and Southwark Park, which have sports facilities, playgrounds, and lakes, making them ideal for family outings and exercise.

Childcare: A range of nurseries and after-school clubs operate throughout Southwark, complemented by children’s centres offering flexible childcare and play activities for different age groups.

Safety: While central locations can see typical city challenges, improved security measures and community policing help make family life manageable, with quieter residential streets available away from the busiest zones.

Family Activities: Family-friendly museums, the Globe Theatre, and cultural sites offer interactive experiences. Additionally, the excellent transport links make it easy for families to explore other parts of London on weekends.

Southwark accommodates pet owners well, with ample green spaces and riverside paths popular for dog-walking. Southwark Park, Burgess Park, and the Thames Path offer open spaces, play areas, and designated dog zones. Many local cafes and pubs have adopted a dog-friendly approach, especially in Bermondsey and Borough.

The borough is well-served by veterinary practices and pet shops, including independent pet stores and major chains. Housing rules for pets vary, but many new developments and local housing associations are open to responsible pet ownership. The overall attitude in Southwark is welcoming to pets, encouraging outdoor activity and social pet-friendly meetups in parks and community areas.

Southwark is exceptionally well-connected, making it an appealing location for commuters and explorers alike. London Underground lines serve key points in the borough: Southwark station (Jubilee line), Borough (Northern line), Elephant & Castle (Northern and Bakerloo lines), and London Bridge (Jubilee and Northern lines) offer swift links across the capital. Overground rail stations at London Bridge, Elephant & Castle, and Peckham Rye connect Southwark to the wider South East and Thameslink services offer direct access to the City, Luton, and Gatwick.

Bus routes are extensive throughout the borough, ensuring reliable movement across central and south London. For cyclists, the area is favoured due to designated cycle superhighways and river routes. The proximity to the Thames River Path provides a scenic, traffic-free option for walkers and cyclists alike.

Travelling to key destinations from Southwark by public transport:

• The City of London – 10–15 minutes by tube
• West End – 10–20 minutes by tube or bus
• Canary Wharf – 13 minutes by Jubilee line
• London Gatwick Airport – approx. 35 mins by Thameslink train from London Bridge
• London Heathrow Airport – approx. 45–55 mins via Underground (Jubilee and Piccadilly lines via Green Park)

Primary Schools in Southwark
Southwark offers a range of well-regarded primary schools, attracting families who prioritise education. The Cathedral School of St Saviour and St Mary Overie, situated near Borough Market, is a Church of England primary with a strong reputation and was rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted in 2018. Charles Dickens Primary School in Borough, another sought-after choice, also holds an 'Outstanding' rating from Ofsted (2019). Ivydale Primary School in Nunhead is popular locally and received a 'Good' Ofsted rating in 2017. St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Camberwell, is known for its strong community ethos and was rated 'Outstanding' in 2019.

Secondary Schools in Southwark
Southwark’s secondary schools include several high-performing academies and longstanding state schools. The Charter School North Dulwich regularly achieves excellent GCSE results and was rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted in 2016. Harris Academy Bermondsey is an all-girls school with an 'Outstanding' Ofsted inspection in 2022. Sacred Heart Catholic School in Camberwell is another of the area’s reputable secondary schools, rated 'Outstanding' in 2018, while St Thomas the Apostle College for boys in Nunhead was also rated 'Outstanding' in 2017.

Colleges and Sixth Forms in Southwark
For post-16 education, Southwark College offers a full range of A-level, vocational, and adult learning courses. The City of London Academy (Southwark) also provides a well-respected sixth form, supporting students from across central and south London.

Universities in Southwark
King’s College London’s Guy’s Campus (home to KCL’s medical and dental schools) sits close to London Bridge, while London South Bank University has its main campus in Elephant and Castle. Both institutions bring a large student population and a dynamic academic influence to Southwark.